DE60125665T2 - Absorbent object with a fibrous surface layer - Google Patents

Description

BACKGROUND THE INVENTION

Field of the invention

The The present invention relates to an absorbent article with a surface layer, in the one porous Film and a fiber layer are combined to ensure comfort for the carrier to increase, like it is known, for example, from WO-A-9309741.

description of the prior art

Absorbent objects like For example, sanitary napkins, disposable diapers or the like typically a structure in which an absorbent layer over one liquid-impermeable reserve and a liquid pervious surface material over the liquid-absorbing Side of the absorbent layer lies.

When the surface material is in the art of using one with a large number of Through holes provided synthetic resin film layer. In this film situation is used the size Number of through holes as ways or channels for transit of liquids. Therefore, on the surface the situation reached liquid through the holes pass through and absorbed in the absorbent layer. Hereinafter, such a film with holes as a porous film designated.

These porous Film layer has, in contrast to a nonwoven fabric of a fiber aggregate no capillary action for retention of liquid around the through holes around. Therefore, liquid which has come to the surface of the film layer may be leaked so easily guided be that it flows into the through holes. In addition, the film can be through Addition of an inorganic filler into the film layer to lighten that in the absorbent Layer through the through holes hide absorbed menstrual blood or the like.

The porous Film layer, however, easily sticks to the skin of the wearer. Therefore, it barely follows the movement of the wearer's skin, which may cause irritation to the skin. In addition, it is the porous one Film layer compared with a nonwoven worse in terms of Function of pulling (attracting) fine droplets of liquid from the wearer's skin into the location. As a result, it can give a wet feeling on the wearer's skin.

The The following types of postures are intended to derive the benefits of porous Benefit from the film situation. The first is a layer where a resin layer in strips on the surface the porous film layer is formed. Although this location will reduce the contact area with the skin of the wearer It may remain difficult to move the wearer's skin consequences. Therefore, it is difficult to prevent the irritation of the skin.

The second is a situation where a thin nonwoven fabric over the entire surface the porous film layer is laid. Although this gives a soft touch on the wearer's skin can, the nonwoven fabric can be liquid by capillary action of the fibers forming the nonwoven fabric. Therefore, it can give a wet feeling on the skin of the wearer.

WHERE 93/09741 describes an absorbent article with an upper layer consisting of a nonwoven material and a surfactant-treated, three-dimensional and apertured provided thermoplastic film. The fleece material and the one with openings provided movie can for example, with adhesives, by thermal bonding or by pressure bonding be attached to each other.

SUMMARY THE INVENTION

The The present invention is in the light of those described above defects the known technique has been worked out. Therefore, an objective of the present The invention relates to the provision of an absorbent article comprising a porous Film that gives a wearer's skin a soft touch feel and hardly a restraint of liquid caused.

To The invention becomes an absorbent An article provided comprising a liquid pervious surface layer, a reserve and one between the surface layer and the reserve arranged absorbent layer, wherein the surface layer a porous one Film with several through holes and one on the fluid receiving Side of the porous Films arranged fiber layer, which are several parallel to each other running and at intervals comprising strips arranged one from the other, each strip of the fiber layer at intervals Attached mounting portions attached to the porous film is so the porous Film is exposed between adjacent strips of the fibrous layer.

The absorbent article of the present invention can easily direct the liquid through the holes in the porous film to the absorbent layer. In addition, with the strips of the fibrous layer, the absorbent article can impart a soft touch to the skin of a wearer. Since the on the surface of the Fa In addition, as fibers appearing on the layer of fibers may follow the movement of a wearer's skin, the irritation of the wearer's skin may be reduced.

The Attachment portions are preferably spaced apart in one direction, along which the strips of the fiber layer run, arranged, and each strip is between adjacent attachment sections from porous Film raised away to form several loop sections. at this structure can the fibers on the surfaces the loop portions move readily in each direction, to follow the movement of the skin of a wearer. Furthermore can the liquid along the slope of the loop portion flow down to the porous film, so that the liquid easily to the through holes guided can be.

Of the porous For example, film can be in the direction along which the stripes of the fibrous layer, are contracted after the strips at the porous Film have been attached to the distance between adjacent To reduce attachment portions to the loop sections to raise. In this structure, the porous film can be made of a stretchable Synthetic resin film to be formed. In an alternative, the absorbent article Continue on the porous Film attached elastic element include to a tightening Force on the porous To apply film. In a further alternative, the porous film may be made a heat-shrinkable synthetic resin film be formed. If the porous Film is formed of the stretchable synthetic resin film, the through holes are preferably opened in a square shape, so that the porous one Film is formed with dividing strips, the adjacent quadrangular Through holes separate, with the separation strips running obliquely relative to the direction, along which the strips of the fiber layer run.

A overall length L along the outermost surface of each Loop portion, between adjacent attachment portions, is preferably in a range of 1.1 to 4 times a distance p between adjacent attachment portions.

The For example, a fibrous layer may be formed from a bundle of continuous filaments be. Alternatively, the fiber layer may be formed of a nonwoven fabric be.

In In this case, the strips of the fiber layer are each made of one bunch thinner Strip formed by cutting the nonwoven fabric.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The The present invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description Description and the accompanying drawings of the preferred embodiment better understood by the present invention, but not as restrictive for the invention are to be regarded, but merely for explanation and understanding serve.

1 shows a perspective view of an absorbent article according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

2 shows a partial section of the in 1 shown absorbent article.

3 shows an enlarged plan view of an example of a preferred porous film.

4 Fig. 10 is an enlarged plan view of another example of the porous film.

5 Fig. 11 is a plan view showing an example of a fixing pattern for a fibrous layer and a porous film.

6 Fig. 11 is a plan view showing another example of a fixing pattern for a fibrous layer and a porous film.

7 Fig. 11 is a plan view showing another example of a fixing pattern for a fibrous layer and a porous film.

8th Fig. 11 is a plan view showing still another example of a fixing pattern for a fibrous layer and a porous film.

9 shows a partial section of 8th ,

10 shows an illustration for explaining the steps of an exemplary manufacturing method for the absorbent article according to the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED Embodiment

The present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the preferred embodiment of an absorbent article according to the present invention with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the present invention may be practiced without these specific details. In other cases however, known structures are not shown in detail so as not to unnecessarily obscure the understanding of the present invention.

1 shows a perspective view of an absorbent article according to a first embodiment of the present invention, 2 shows a partial section of the in 1 absorbent article shown, 3 and 4 show enlarged plan views of examples of a preferred porous film, 5 to 8th show partial views with examples of patterns of fixing portions for fixing a fiber layer, and 9 shows a partial section of 8th ,

The in 1 shown absorbent object 1 is a sanitary napkin. Throughout the specification and claims, a direction indicated by an arrow X is referred to as a width or a transverse direction, and a direction indicated by an arrow Y is referred to as a longitudinal direction. The absorbent object 1 has an intermediate part 2 as well as a front part 3 and a rear part on opposite sides of the intermediate part 2 on. On both sides of a main body of the absorbent article are longitudinally extending side run-off barriers 5 and 5 intended. At the side outlet barrier walls 5 and 5 elastic members are provided to apply a longitudinal elastic contractive force. The contracting force becomes the main body of the absorbent article 1 bent in the longitudinal direction (Y direction), and the lateral outlet barrier walls 5 and 5 are lifted from the liquid receiving side of the main body, mainly at the intermediate part 2 to form a three-dimensional shape.

As in 2 shows the main body of the absorbent article 1 a liquid-impermeable reserve 7 , an absorbent core (absorbent layer) 8th and a liquid-permeable surface layer 10 on, which are superimposed in the order named. The surface layer 10 includes a porous film 11 and a fibrous layer disposed thereon 12 , The term "porous film" as used herein refers to a multi-through-hole film.

The absorbent core 8th is designed so that it covers part of the front part 3 , the intermediate part 2 and part of the buttock 4 the absorbent article 1 runs. In an outer peripheral area over the contour of the absorbent core 8th addition, the reserve 7 and the porous film 11 bonded together with hot melt adhesive or fusion bonded together by hot stamping (welded).

In the surface layer 10 is the fiber layer 12 arranged in the form of spaced apart and parallel strips of a certain width. At the in 1 The embodiment shown is the fiber layer 12 between the side outlet barrier walls 5 and 5 in the middle part 2 arranged as a primary liquid absorption area and also extends into parts of the front part 3 and the buttock 4 , The fiber layer 12 However, if necessary, only in the intermediate part 2 be provided as a primary liquid absorption region, in particular only in the middle part. In an alternative, the fiber layer 12 be provided so that they are over the entire length of the absorbent article 1 runs in the Y direction, that is from the longitudinal end of the front part 3 through the intermediate part 2 to the longitudinal end of the buttock 4 ,

In the case of the sanitary napkin lies the fiber layer 12 in the normal case preferably in a range of at least 50 to 100 mm in the longitudinal direction (Y-direction) and in a range of at least 10 to 80 mm in the transverse direction (X-direction).

The reserve 7 is liquid impermeable and formed of a water vapor permeable resin film, a nonwoven fabric or a laminate of a resin film and a nonwoven fabric. The absorbent core 8th is formed by mixing ground pulp and SAP (superabsorbent polymer) and then wrapping the mixture in liquid pervious paper. In an alternative, the absorbent core 8th also from air bubble pulp which is formed into a sheet by a binder process, absorbent paper or a nonwoven fabric mainly composed of hydrophilic fibers.

The side outlet barrier wall 5 is formed from a nonwoven fabric, for example a blow-through, needle, spun, spun-lace, meltblown or air-blown nonwoven fabric.

The porous film 11 that the surface layer 10 forms, at least in the Y direction has an elastic extensibility. On the surface of the porous film 11 is the fiber layer 12 attached (connected). At the in 1 to 5 In the embodiment shown, the widths W1 of the individual strips of the fiber layer are 12 in the X direction relative to each other, and the distances (intervals) W2 between respective adjacent strips of the fiber layer 12 are equal. Between the adjacent strips of the fiber layer 12 lie the porous film 11 and a large number of in the porous film 11 formed through holes (openings) free (see 3 and 4 ).

The preferred range of width W1 be is between 1.0 and 10 mm, and the preferred range of distance W2 is between 0.5 and 10 mm. In an area where the fiber layer 12 is provided, the area ratio of fiber layer is 12 to porous film 11 (that is, the ratio of the fiber layer 12 occupied area to the surface of the porous film 11 ) preferably in a range of 5 to 30%.

Exceeds the area ratio of the fiber layer 12 the above range, the majority of the on the surface layer 10 passing liquid through the fiber layer 12 retained, leaving too much liquid in the surface of the surface layer 10 remains. Therefore, the surface layer 10 give the wearer a wet feeling. Is the area ratio of the fiber layer 12 smaller than the above-mentioned range becomes the exposed area of the porous film 11 so great that the possibility that the surface of the porous film 11 becomes higher with the skin of the wearer, thereby increasing the possibility of irritation of the skin of the wearer.

As in 5 As shown, the individual strips are the fiber layer 12 indicated by (i) or (ii). The strips indicated by (i) are referred to as odd strips, and the strips indicated by (ii) are referred to as straight strips. The individual odd stripes (i) are on the porous film 11 on attachment lines 13a attached at a constant distance P in a direction along which the fibrous layer 12 runs, are formed. On the other hand, the individual straight stripes (ii) are on the porous film 11 on attachment lines 13b fixed at a constant distance P in the direction along which the fibrous layer 12 runs, are formed.

The individual odd strips (i) are located between adjacent attachment lines 13a towards the surface side in front of the loop sections 14a to build. The individual straight strips (ii) are also located between adjacent attachment lines 13b towards the surface side in front of the loop sections 14b to build. The attachment lines 13a the odd stripe (i) are opposite the attachment lines 13b the straight strip (ii) offset by half the distance P. In other words, the fortification lines 13a and 13b are arranged so that there is a line of attachment 13a at the midpoint between adjacent attachment lines 13b and 13b located. Therefore, the tips of the loop portions change 14a and the tips of the loop portions 14b each other in the Y direction.

In the illustrated embodiment, the porous film is 11 elastically stretchable, and the loop sections 14a and 14b are formed as follows. First, the stripes of the fiber layer 12 on the elastically extensible porous film 11 placed, with the porous film 11 is stretched, and on the stretched porous film 11 at the respective attachment lines 13a and 13b attached. Thereafter, the stretching force on the porous film 11 relax, so that the porous film 11 contracted by the elastically contracting force to restore the original state. This will be the interval between adjacent attachment lines 13a and the interval between adjacent attachment lines 13b decreases to the loop sections 14a and 14b to form, from the surface of the porous film 11 through the fiber layer 12 protrude.

In the absorbent article 1 When wearing mainly the loop sections come 14a and 14b in contact with the skin of the wearer. This reduces the likelihood that the porous film 11 comes in direct contact with the skin of the wearer. Because the strips project to the loop sections 14a and 14b to form is the fiber layer 12 flexible enough to deform easily in the X and Y directions. Therefore, the fiber layer 12 flexible follow the movement of the skin of the wearer, so that on the skin of the wearer hardly any irritating feeling. In particular, the fiber layer 12 only at the attachment lines 13a and 13b attached to the loop sections 14a and 14b to form, so that the individual loop sections 14a and 14b can independently move as skin contact areas to individually follow the movement of the wearer's skin. Therefore, the fiber layer causes 12 no strong irritating sensation on the wearer's skin.

Because on the other hand, as in 2 shown the individual loop sections 14a and 14b by lifting the fiber layer 12 from the surface of the porous film 11 are formed, they have a high volume recovery ability against a compressive force acting from above. Even if the loop sections 14a and 14b compressed by the pressure of the skin of the wearer, they can easily return to their original shape.

Around the loop sections 14a and 14b With such a high volume recovery capability as stated above, the pitch P of the attachment lines is 13a and 13b preferably in a range of 3 to 15 mm. In addition, the ratio of the height H to the distance P is preferably in a range of 0.5 to 2, wherein the height H from the surface of the porous film 11 to the top of each loop section 14a and 14b is measured (see 2 ). In addition, the height H is preferably in a range of 2 to 15 mm.

In addition, an overall length L is along the outermost surface of each loop portion 14a and 14b , between adjacent attachment lines, preferably in a range of 1 to 5 times the distance P, and more preferably in a range of 1.1 to 4 times this distance.

Because the fiber layer 12 , as in 2 shown at the respective loop sections 14a and 14b from the surface of the porous film 11 Can be raised on the fiber layer 12 Liquid readily came to the porous film 11 flow smoothly through the holes 11a or 11c of the porous film 11 in the absorbent core 8th to be absorbed. Because on the other hand, the holes of the porous film 11 between adjacent strips of the fibrous layer 12 can be exposed to the surface layer 10 fluid readily flowed into the holes. This can prevent the liquid in the surface layer 10 is held back.

Because on the other hand, the individual stripes of the fiber layer 12 through the attachment lines 13a or 13b are separated, serve the attachment lines, even if the on the fiber layer 12 Liquid is distributed by capillary action, to limit the further propagation of the liquid. Therefore, spreading the liquid over the surface of the surface layer 10 be prevented in order to give the wearer no wet feeling.

3 shows an enlarged partial plan view of the preferred embodiment of the porous film 11 , In the shown porous film 11 is a large number of holes 11a formed in quadrangular form (for example rhombic form). Straight dividing strip 11b , the neighboring square holes 11a separate, obliquely relative to the longitudinal axis (axis in the Y direction) of the porous film. The inclination angle è of each straight separating strip 11b with respect to the longitudinal axis is preferably in a range of 30 to 70 degrees. In the preferred embodiment, the opening area of each individual square hole is located 11a in a range of 0.38 to 7.0 mm ² , and the opening area ratio of the holes 11a is in the range of 20 to 60%.

The porous film 11 with the straight dividing strips 11b can be stretched in the V direction by a smaller tensile force. In the stretched state are the holes 11a extended in the Y direction, whereby the inclination angle è is reduced. After relaxing the stretching force, the porous film pulls 11 elastically together to resume its original shape.

The porous film 11 can by making holes 11a in a thermoplastic resin film such as LLDPE, LDPE, HDPE, PP, EVA or the like, or mixtures thereof or a thermoplastic synthetic rubber film such as SEBS, SBSSIS, SEEPS, urethane or the like.

Considering the formation of the loop sections 14a and 14b when 3 to 50% of the tensile stress in the Y direction on the porous film 11 The recovery ratio (elastic recovery) from the tensile stress is preferably greater than or equal to 60%.

In addition, the surface of the resin film is preferably treated to make it hydrophilic by applying a surfactant on the surface of the resin film or incorporated in the resin film. If the porous film 11 is treated to make it hydrophilic, the liquid which has been brought onto the film surface easily flows into the holes 11a , Moreover, in order to reduce the contact area with the skin of the wearer and thus the irritation, it is preferable to provide a slight unevenness on the film surface. In addition, an inorganic whitening agent and filler such as titanium oxide is preferably blended in the resin film containing the porous film 11 forms.

On the other hand, it is also possible to use a porous film 11A to use that with several round holes 11c is formed, as in 4 shown.

To form the fiber layer 12 For example, a bundle of Y-direction continuous filaments is preferably used. Preferably, for example, one strand (that is, a bundle of continuous filaments) is opened and expanded to obtain a uniform thickness, and then divided into a plurality of strips having a predetermined width (separated) around the individual strips of the fibrous layer 12 to build.

If the fiber layer 12 is formed of a bundle of filaments, the fineness of the filaments is preferably in a range of 1.1 to 8.8 dtex. Within this area, the loop sections 14a and 14b after deformation in the X and Y directions, they can return to their original state, and they can return to the original loop state after a compressive force has been applied in the vertical direction. If the fineness is less than the above range, it may be the loop sections 14a and 14b lack of elastic resilience. On the other hand, if the fineness exceeds the above range, the threads on the wearer's skin are likely to give a stiff feeling.

Moreover, the filaments used herein are preferably crimped. In this case, the individual crimped endless filaments become in the respective loop portions 14a and 14b devoured accordingly, with a certain independence is maintained. Therefore, in the loop sections 14a and 14b individual threads are freely movable, but cooperate in terms of elastic recovery. In this case, the continuous filaments can be crimped in the production of the filaments with a crimping device, and the degree of crimping can be further increased for use by processing with a Vorwärmkalander or with hot air. Alternatively, the endless filaments can be crimped in ribbon form by inducing a change in the orientation of the resin forming the filaments by repeatedly drawing and relaxing the filaments as they pass through a preheat calender.

in the ruffled Condition of the endless threads is the degree of crimping of the single thread per inch preferably in a range of 5 to 40, better still in a range of 5 to 30 and best in the range of 15 to 30. In addition, the crimp elastic modulus is the endless threads preferably greater than or equal to 70%.

Of the curling based on JIS L-1015, and the crimp elastic modulus based on JIS L-1074. If the fineness of the thread is less than 5.5 dtex, an initial load of 0.49 mN is applied in the direction of pull, and if the fineness of the thread is greater than or equal to 5.5 dtex, becomes an initial load of 0.98 mN in the tensile direction applied. The mentioned curling corresponds to the number of threads (Tips) per inch (25 mm) when using the initial load.

On the other hand, the crimp elastic modulus is expressed as follows: {(b - c) / (b - a)} x 100 (%) where a is the length of the thread using the initial load, b is the length when the crimp is stretched by applying a tension of 4.9 mN per 1.1 dtex for 30 seconds, and c is the length when the initial load 2 is re-applied Minutes after releasing the clamping force.

In addition, the strength of the fiber layer 12 in the Y direction in a state in which the filaments are entangled by curling, preferably greater than or equal to 0.14 N / in. Here, the strength is expressed by a breaking load. When the layer of continuous filaments having a basis weight of 25 g / m ² is formed by carding, ten layers are stacked to obtain a test piece. The test piece is clamped at a clamping distance of 100 mm in a Tensilon tensile testing machine, and the chucking distance is increased at a speed (ratio) of 100 mm / min.

When the loop sections 14a and 14b formed by such filaments, a soft touch on the skin is achieved, and each loop can move freely. In addition, such loop sections 14a and 14b have a superior elastic recovery.

If in the absorbent article 1 with the surface layer 10 Menstrual blood or the like on the loop portion of the fiber layer 12 passes, it flows along the filaments to the porous film 11 to get through the holes 11a or 11c of the porous film 11 from the absorbent core 8th to be absorbed.

The fiber layer 12 for use in the surface layer 10 , which has the property of permeating liquid and is formed of filaments, preferably has a basis weight of 20 to 200 g / m ² . If the basis weight is less than 20 g / m ² , the number of continuous filaments becomes too small to form a thick thread loop portion on the surface of the absorbent article 1 to build. On the other hand, in the case of the article where the fibrous layer 12 by heat melting on the porous film 11 attached, the basis weight of the fiber layer 12 is less than the above-mentioned range, sufficient fastening strength can not be achieved. On the other hand, if the basis weight is larger than the above-mentioned range, the capillary action between the filaments becomes too strong to retain the liquid in the fibrous layer 12 causing the wearer to feel wet.

The filaments that make up the fiber layer 12 are formed of heat-fusible, hydrophobic resin so that they are melt-fused on the porous film 11 can be attached. Examples of continuous filaments include monofilaments such as those made of PE (polyethylene), PP (polypropylene) or PET (polyethylene terephthalate), core-sheath type synthetic composite fibers such as PE / PET or PE / PP and composite fibers of Side-by-side type such as PE / PET or PE / PP. The filaments formed of synthetic resin are preferably treated with a hydrophilizing agent which is applied to their surface or incorporated into the resin to render it hydrophilic. In addition, the filaments preferably contain an inorganic filler for lightening, for example titanium oxide or the like, in a proportion of 0.5 to 10% by weight. By lightening, the filaments can do so in the absorbent core 8th absorbed menstrual blood easily from outside eyes (hide). The individual filaments may have a circular or modified cross-section.

It is further possible, hydrophilic fibers such as those of rayon in a proportion of 5 to 30% by weight to the fiber layer 12 to laminate or monofilaments such as natural cellulose fibers with an adhesive on the fiber layer 12 to stick.

In an alternative, the strips of fiber layer 12 be formed from flat yarns, split yarns or the like. Smooth yarns are made by slitting (cutting) a resin film into thin strips (threads) and pulling the thin strips in the longitudinal direction. In this case, the pulling can be omitted. Split yarns are made by dividing a film in the widthwise direction to form net-connected yarns.

In another alternative, a nonwoven fabric may also be used as the fibrous layer 12 be used. Examples of the nonwoven fabric include a blow-through, a needle, a spun-lace, a melt-blown, and a composite nonwoven fabric (that is, a multi-layer nonwoven fabric) comprising a spunbonded nonwoven fabric (S) and a meltblown Nonwoven fabric (M) in the form of SMS, SM, SSMS, SS or the like are laminated. Among other things, a blow-through nonwoven fabric is preferred because of its high air gap ratio. The nonwoven fabric may be divided into a plurality of strips having a predetermined width corresponding to the width of the strips of the fibrous layer 12 get cut. Alternatively, it is also possible to make the nonwoven fabric into thin strips (threads) with a width substantially smaller than the width of the strips of the fibrous layer 12 to slit (cut) to each strip of the fibrous layer 12 by bundling the thin strips of the nonwoven fabric. These thin strips can be pulled lengthwise.

Preferred fibers for use in the nonwoven fabric are, as stated above, sheath-core type synthetic composite fibers, the sheath part having a lower resin melting point than the core part, for example, PE / PP, PE / PET or PP / PP. The synthetic composite fibers preferably have a fineness of 1.6 to 6.6 dtex and a fiber length of 38 to 61 mm. These fibers are treated by applying a surfactant to their surfaces or by incorporating a surfactant in them to make them hydrophilic. In addition, the fibers preferably contain an inorganic filler such as titanium oxide or the like for lightening. With the inorganic whitening filler in the fibers, the resulting nonwoven fabric may have a cloth-like appearance and the effect of masking in the absorbent core 8th strengthen absorbed menstrual blood.

The Composite fibers can otherwise have a hollow or modified cross-section. In an alternative can Monofilaments of hollow or modified cross section for the nonwoven fabric be used. In another alternative, for the nonwoven fabric Fibers of two resin components of hollow or modified cross-section used which are rendered porous by hydrolysis for elution and then dried become. The hollow fibers, modified cross-section fibers and porous Fibers can fine liquid droplets on the skin of the wearer readily absorb.

at In another alternative, the nonwoven fabric may be a mixture of hydrophobic synthetic fibers and hydrophilic fibers (for example Viscose Rayon, Acetate Rayon, Natural Cellulose fibers or the like) for improving the hydrophilic properties be formed. In this case, for example, the proportion of hydrophobic synthetic fibers in a range of 70 to 98% by weight, and the proportion of hydrophilic fibers is in the range of 30 up to 2% by weight.

Will the nonwoven fabric be the fibrous layer 12 It preferably has a basis weight of 15 to 40 g / m ² and an apparent bulkiness of 0.2 to 1.0 mm. In addition, the nonwoven fabric preferably has a Y-direction tear strength of 7.8 to 24.6 N / in and a maximum elongation of 20 to 60.

At the fortification lines 13a and 13b are the porous film 11 and the fiber layer 12 in the embodiment shown, fusion bonded together by heat sealing, ultrasonic sealing or the like. In an alternative, the porous film can 11 and the fiber layer 12 be connected at the respective attachment lines with an adhesive. In a further alternative, the porous film 11 and the fiber layer 12 be secured by melt-bonding and gluing. As the adhesive, a pressure-sensitive adhesive can be used; in this case, the application amount of the pressure-sensitive adhesive is preferably in a range of 0.5 to 5 g / m ² . The line width (thickness) of the attachment lines 13a and 13b is preferably in a range of 0.5 to 5 mm, and more preferably in a range of 0.3 to 3 mm.

At the in 1 and 5 the embodiment shown, the width W1 of the individual strips of the fiber layer 12 constant, and also the distance (Interval) W2 between adjacent strips of the fiber layer 12 is constant. If necessary, however, it is possible to control the width and spacing of the strips of the fibrous layer 12 to vary. As in 6 For example, the width W5 and the distance W6 may be set larger than the width W3 and the distance W4, respectively. Specifically, at the in 6 In the embodiment shown, the strips W3 in the middle region (iii) are spaced apart by a distance W4 and the strips W5 are in both longitudinal side regions (iv) outside the central region (iii) of adjacent strips of width W3 arranged at a distance W6. Further, if necessary, it is also possible to vary the spacing of the fastening lines. At the in 6 shown embodiment are attachment lines 15 in the middle area (iii) arranged at a distance P1, and fastening lines 16 in the longitudinal side portions (iv) are arranged at a pitch P2, the pitch P1 being smaller than the pitch P2. Therefore, at the in 6 embodiment shown between adjacent attachment lines 15 in the middle region (iii) formed loop portions lower than that between adjacent attachment lines 16 in the two longitudinal side portions (iv) formed loop sections.

opposite 6 it is also possible to choose the width of the individual strips, the distance between adjacent strips and the distance of the fastening lines in the central region (iii) greater than in the two longitudinal side regions (iv).

At the in 7 In the embodiment shown, the width W1 and the distance W2 are in the fiber layer 12 constant. fixing lines 17 However, they are arranged at a distance P3 in the central region and at a distance P4 in both longitudinal side regions outside the central region, wherein the distance P3 is greater than the distance P4. Therefore, the loop portions formed in the middle region are higher than the loop portions formed in both longitudinal side portions. Because at the in 7 In the embodiment shown, the higher loop sections are formed in the central region of the liquid absorption region, the absorbent article in this region can impart a soft contact feeling. In addition, the higher loop portions can readily follow the movement of the skin.

At the in 8th In the embodiment shown, the width W1 and the distance W2 are in the fiber layer 12 constant. On the other hand, the distance of the attachment lines varies 18 On different parts. Therefore, as in 9 shown between adjacent attachment lines 18 which are arranged at a greater distance, higher loop sections 19a formed, and between adjacent attachment lines 18 which are arranged at a smaller distance are lower loop portions 19b educated. Due to the higher loop sections 19a The fibers readily follow the movement of the skin to reduce or eliminate the sensation of irritation, and through the lower loop portions 19b Liquid can easily get to the holes 11a or 11c be guided.

10 shows an example of a manufacturing method for the absorbent article 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

In the transport role group 21 making an endless porous movie 11 ' transported, the rotational speed of the respective rollers is gradually increased to the downstream side. Therefore, it takes on the porous film 11 ' acting tension too, when the film from the transport roller group 21 is transported, and as a result, the porous film 11 ' stretched at a strain in the range of 5 to 50%.

On the other hand, a bundle called strand is used 12A of endless threads of transport rollers 24 . 25 and 26 transported. The speed of rotation of the transport roller 25 is higher than that of the transport roller 24 , and the speed of rotation of the transport roller 26 is lower than that of the transport roller 25 , Therefore, the bundle 12A between the transport rollers 24 and 25 stretched while it is between the transport rollers 25 and 26 contracts. The stretching and contracting steps are repeated several times as needed to form the bundle 12A to open in this way.

With spreading and separating devices 29 becomes the opened bundle 12A thereafter spread in the width direction (expanded) to obtain a uniform bulk, and separated (divided) into a plurality of endless strips having the width W1 and the distance W2, thereby forming an endless fiber layer 12 ' to build. This endless fiber layer 12 ' then with the transport wheels 27 and 28 on the endless porous film 11 ' placed.

A transport role 31 is on the downstream side of the transport roller group 21 intended. The speed of rotation of the roller far right in the transport roller group 21 and the rotational speed of the transport roller 31 are equal to the porous film 11 ' to keep in the stretched state. Between the transport role group 21 and the transport role 31 become the fiber layer 12 ' and the porous film 11 ' with welding rollers 32a and 32b trapped. On a the welding rollers 32a and 32b is an embossment of the attachment line pattern or the like formed as in 5 shown. When transporting through the welding rollers 32a and 32b therefore becomes the fiber layer 12 ' at the attachment lines 13a and 13b on the porous film 11 ' attached. The method of attachment used herein is heat sealing or ultrasonic sealing.

On the downstream side of the transport roller 31 The stretching force is applied to the porous film 11 ' canceled. After that, the porous film pulls 11 ' due to its elastic contracting force in the Y-direction evenly to the distance between the attachment lines 13a and the distance between the attachment lines 13b shorten to the loop sections 14a and 14b through the fiber layer 12 ' to build. The resulting laminate is cut to the desired size to form the surface layer 10 with the porous film 11 and the fiber layer 12 to build.

In addition to the in 10 The method shown is a step of disposing the absorbent core 8th on the reserve 7 intended. The with the loop sections 14a and 14b formed surface layer 10 gets on the absorbent core 8th guided and fixed with a hot melt adhesive or the like. This is the in 1 shown absorbent object 1 finished.

The contraction of the porous film 11 for forming the loop portions may also be brought about by other means. For example, a plurality of mutually parallel elastic members (for example, elastic yarns or elastic strips) may preferentially elongate in the Y direction on the porous film 11 be attached. After fixing the fiber layer 12 on the porous film 11 the stretching force acting on the elastic elements is released, so that the porous film 11 can contract. In this case, the porous film 11 be elastically stretchable or not.

The Details of such a construction with an elastic element such as elastic yarn, elastic strips or the like in the co-pending PATENT APPLICATION "SUCTIONFUL OBJECT WITH A SURFACE LAYER WITH TERMINALS AND THE MANUFACTURING PROCESS "of the same proprietor described (where priority claimed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open Publication 2000-265467 becomes).

Alternatively, it is also possible to use a heat-shrinkable synthetic resin film as the porous film 11 to use. When a heat-shrinkable porous film 11 is used, the fiber layer 12 at room temperature on the porous film 11 placed and at the respective attachment lines 13a and 13b attached. After that, the porous film 11 heated to effect heat shrinkage around the loop portions 14a and 14b to build. For the heat-shrinkable porous film 11 For example, a porous film that allows anisotropic pulling can be used.

Becomes the porous one Film contracted by elastic elements or by heat shrinkage, as described above the holes tilted towards the absorbent core to the effect of the masking of menstrual blood absorbed in the absorbent core or the like to improve.

• (1) Weil der poröse Film zwischen benachbarten Streifen der Faserschicht freiliegt, kann auf die Oberflächenschicht gelangte Flüssigkeit wie zum Beispiel Menstruationsblut durch die Löcher in dem porösen Film schnell zu der absorbierenden Schicht transportiert werden.
• (2) Weil vorzugsweise die Streifen der Faserschicht mit der Haut eines Trägers in Berührung kommen, um der Bewegung der Haut des Trägers zu folgen, kann die Reizwirkung auf die Haut des Trägers mit Erfolg verringert werden.
• (3) Weil jeder Streifen der Faserschicht durch die im Abstand angeordneten Befestigungsabschnitte getrennt ist, wird verhindert, dass sich auf die Faserschicht gelangte Flüssigkeit entlang des Streifens ausbreitet, so dass die Oberflächenschicht auf der Haut des Trägers ein weniger nasses Gefühl vermittelt.
• (4) Wenn Schleifenabschnitte gebildet sind, die ohne weiteres verformt werden können, um der Bewegung der Haut des Trägers zu folgen, kann die Reizung der Haut weiter verringert werden, und die Flüssigkeit kann problemlos zu den Löchern in dem porösen Film geführt werden.
• (5) Wenn jeder Streifen der Faserschicht aus Endlosfäden oder dünnen Streifen (Fäden) gebildet ist, die durch Schneiden eines Vliesstoffs oder Films erhalten werden, kann die Flüssigkeit ohne weiteres und problemlos zu dem porösen Film geführt werden, wobei gleichzeitig das Zurückhalten von Flüssigkeit durch die Faserschicht und das Vermitteln eines nassen Gefühls auf der Haut des Trägers verhindert werden.

As a result of the various structures detailed above, the invention may have one or more of the following advantages:

• (1) Because the porous film is exposed between adjacent strands of the fibrous layer, liquid that has come on the surface layer, such as menstrual blood, can be rapidly transported to the absorbing layer through the holes in the porous film.
• (2) Because preferably the strands of the fibrous layer come into contact with the skin of a wearer to follow the movement of the skin of the wearer, the irritation to the skin of the wearer can be successfully reduced.
• (3) Because each strip of the fibrous layer is separated by the spaced-apart attachment portions, liquid which has been introduced onto the fibrous layer is prevented from spreading along the strip, so that the surface layer on the skin of the wearer gives a less wet feeling.
• (4) When loop portions are formed which can be readily deformed to follow the movement of the skin of the wearer, the irritation of the skin can be further reduced, and the liquid can be easily guided to the holes in the porous film.
• (5) When each strip of the fibrous layer is formed of continuous filaments or thin strips (filaments) obtained by cutting a nonwoven fabric or film, the liquid can be easily and smoothly guided to the porous film while retaining liquid retention preventing the fiber layer and imparting a wet feeling on the skin of the wearer.

Claims (11)

Absorbent article ( 1 ) comprising: a liquid-permeable surface layer ( 10 ); a reserve ( 7 ); and an absorbent layer disposed between the surface layer and the backing (16) 7 ), wherein the surface layer contains: a porous film ( 11 ) with several through-holes ( 11a . 11c ) and a fibrous layer disposed on the liquid-receiving side of the porous film ( 12 ), characterized in that the fiber layer comprises a plurality of mutually parallel and spaced-apart strips, wherein each strip of the fiber layer at spaced-apart fixing portions ( 13a . 13b . 15 . 16 . 17 . 18 ) is attached to the porous film so that the porous film is exposed between adjacent strips of the fiber layer. An absorbent article according to claim 1, wherein the attachment portions are spaced apart in a direction along which the strands of the fiber layer extend, and each strip between adjacent attachment portions is raised away from the porous film to form a plurality of loop portions. 14a . 14b . 19a . 19b ) to build. An absorbent An article according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the porous film is in the direction along which run the strips of the fiber layer, is contracted, after the strips are porous Film have been attached to the distance between adjacent To reduce attachment portions to the loop sections to raise. An absorbent The article of claim 3 wherein the porous film is of a stretchable Resin film is formed. An absorbent The article of claim 3 further comprising one on the porous film attached elastic element comprises a contractive Force on the porous To apply film. An absorbent An article according to claim 3, wherein the porous film is made of a heat-shrinkable synthetic resin film is formed. Absorbent article according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the through holes ( 11a ) are opened in a quadrangular shape, so that the porous film with separation strips ( 11b ) separating adjacent quadrilateral through holes, the separation strips extending obliquely relative to the direction along which the strands of the fibrous layer extend. An absorbent An article according to any one of claims 2 to 7, with a total length L along the outermost surface each loop section, between adjacent attachment sections, in a range of 1.1 to 4 times a distance P between adjacent attachment portions lies. An absorbent An article according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the fibrous layer from a bundle of endless threads is formed. An absorbent An article according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the fiber layer is formed of a nonwoven fabric. An absorbent The article of claim 10, wherein each strip of the fibrous layer from a bundle thinner Strip formed by cutting the nonwoven fabric becomes.